HIKE THE INCA TRAIL

Explore the vibrant city of Cusco and the lush Sacred Valley before heading out on one of the world's finest and most famous treks - the Inca Trail. Lost to the jungle and rediscovered by Hiram Bingham, Machu Picchu has an incredible story to tell with magnificent back-drops and intricate stone craftsmanship. With a wonderful mix of fantastic mountain views and diverse ecosystems, this included 4 day Inca Trail hike climbs numerous passes as high as 4,200 metres en route to the lost city of Machu Picchu. Don't miss the short hike to the Sun Gate for indescribable views of the valley at sunrise!

Trip Itinerary

Our routes have been carefully chosen to include the best night stops and highlights. However, as local and operational conditions may vary and unforeseen circumstances can arise, the following itinerary should be used as a guideline.

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Download the Hike the Inca Trail trip dossier for tour-specific details including full itinerary, pre-departure information, packing tips and more about our style of travel.

Day 1:
Cusco

You are free to arrive at any time today and transfer to the hotel. This charming South American city is the undisputed gateway to the Inca Trail and an excellent introduction to the colonial and pre-Columbian sites of the past. Acclimatise to the 3,400m altitude slowly, and if you want to stretch your hiking legs, the nearby ruins of Sacsayhuaman and Qenco present an ideal opportunity to get in some practice. The Inca capital is small enough to be easily manageable and has a beautiful main square which Cusco is formed around. It is also amongst one of the most attractive cities in South America, with much of the centre comprising colonial-era buildings with Inca foundations, and it is full of interesting museums, churches and pre-Columbian sites. Accommodation: Hotel included | Meals paid locally

Day 2:
Cusco

Today has been left free to explore the city in more detail. You may wish to take an optional visit to the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the incredible ruins at Pisac. We recommend visiting the Hatunrumiyoc - Twelve-Angle Stone near the centre of Cusco which helps explain why the city has remained so brilliantly intact, surviving many earthquakes over the centuries.Accommodation: Hotel included | Breakfast included

Day 3:
The Inca Trail

Leave Cusco early this morning and drive to the start of the Inca Trail at Piscacucho, commonly known as Km82. The trail runs alongside the Vilcanota River beneath the impressive snow-capped Nevado Veronica, passing through cactus gardens and fields of corn towards the enormous Inca ruins of Llactapata, where you'll camp near the hamlet of Huayllabamba. Today is mostly flat except for the last few hours, the perfect introduction to the Inca Trail and good practice for the following day.Accommodation: Full service camping included | Breakfast, lunch, dinner included

Day 4:
The Inca Trail - Dead Woman's Pass

This is the longest and most strenuous day of the trek where you follow the Inca steps uphill most of the day. A long climb takes you first through an area of cloud forest to the meadows of Llulluchapampa, then over the Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman) pass, at 4234m the highest point on the trek. After a steep descent, camp in the scenic valley of the Pacamayo river (3600m). It is peaceful and beautiful, with time to reflect on the ingenuity and spirit of the Incas.Accommodation: Full service camping included | Breakfast, lunch, dinner included

Day 5:
The Inca Trail - Runquracay Pass / Phuyupatamarca

It's time to tackle a more sedate gradient as you walk to the Runquracay Pass via the ruins of Runquracay. At almost 4000 metres, it's a beautiful pathway past the Sayajmarca ruins, into a rainforest and through an Inca tunnel. This evening's sunset, from your overnight encampment above the site of Phuyupatamarca should be unforgettable and early risers will be treated to an equally impressive sunrise. Accommodation: Full service camping included | Breakfast, lunch, dinner included

Day 6:
The Inca Trail - Machu Picchu

Today's the day that you've always dreamed about and as you descend the world-famous Inca stone stairway past the ruins of Winay Wayna and Inti Punku (The Gate of the Sun) you'll get your first glimpse of the fabled ruined citadel of Machu Picchu. This is indeed a sight to savour and if you can't wait until tomorrow morning's dawn tour then additional entry tickets can be purchased on arrival for approx. US$50 - your tour leader will assist with this. The cost of the trip includes a night camping below Machu Picchu tonight, but it is often possible to change this for a night in a hotel for an additional local payment (the amount will vary depending on which hotels are available). Ask your tour leader to help with booking the hotel before you set off on the Inca Trail if you wish to sleep in a hotel tonight. Accommodation: Full service camping included | Breakfast, lunch, dinner included

Day 7:
Machu Picchu dawn tour

An included dawn tour from Puente Ruinas will bring you face-to-face with the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu just as the sun begins to cast its first shadows. Machu Picchu is spectacular location and is the best known archaeological site on the continent. After exploring at your leisure, it's time to depart by afternoon train via Aguas Calientes and the fast-flowing Urubamba River back to Cusco. Accommodation: Hotel included | Breakfast and lunch included

Day 8-9:
Cusco

Relax after completing your epic journey, do some last-minute shopping, or further discover the city of Cusco. You may want to grab yourself a Pisco Sour, kick back and watch the Peruvians go about their daily business. Your tour ends on day 9 after breakfast.Accommodation: Hotel included on day 8 | Breakfast included

This tour is run by our trusted sister company

Tour Notes

A free arrival hotel transfer can be arranged in Cusco however you will need to provide your arrival flight details at least one month before departure.

Book Your Trip

A
GBP£150 / US$260
deposit per person is required to book

Full payment is due 8 weeks before the tour departure

We are an
ABTA
and
ATOL
operator offering financial security for our inclusive tours.

There are no forced supplements for single travellers.
Accommodation is based on twin-share, so if you're travelling on your own, you'll share with a fellow passenger of the same sex. However, if you would prefer your own space our Solo Sleeper Option can be requested from
per person. This will guarantee you your own room & tent for every night of the tour. The number of single rooms & tents we can offer is limited, so it's best to book early. Simply select the "Solo Sleepers" check box on the booking form or request over the phone.

Important Notes

If you want to hike the Inca Trail, we advise you to book early. In order to preserve the Inca Trail Trek and its surrounds, the Peruvian authorities currently limit the number of Inca Trail trekking permits to 500 per day. These permits are often sold out 4-5 months in advance, especially for the popular summer months, and we cannot reserve permits. As soon as you book we will request a permit for you.

Why not arrange your own Grand American Adventures departure? For groups of 8 or more, we can offer private departures on any of our published itineraries enabling friends, families or organizations to enjoy our style of travel at special rates. Although tours will run as per our standard itinerary shown here, slight modifications may be considered and dates can be chosen to suit your needs. (Subject to seasonal/operational restrictions). So contact us today and start planning your own adventure.

At Grand American Adventures we believe that your safety and enjoyment are the most important parts of your holiday.

Before you join your Grand American Adventures tour you MUST be covered by insurance that includes adequate coverage for baggage, medical expenses and the cost of repatriation. We can offer you a comprehensive travel insurance policy which is completely tailored for your trip and is specially designed to include all the activities listed.